Best CWB Brands, models

After a lot of reading I think I've decided on getting a CWB instead of a SWB or LWB but I want to know opinions about brands, models, experience, etc. of CWB bents. Thanks all! CJ )

If you're looking for recommendations, I think what you'll end up with is everyone recommending the bike they ride. I'm a SWB kinda guy, and think that ALL CLWBs are dogs. There! Ya got my opinion! But seriously, you might have a better chance of getting good info if you could narrow the search down a little. Are there a few models in particular that you're interested in? Perhaps a price range?

RANS Tailwind.

I'm hoping to go in somewhere around $1000, maybe a little less or possibly a little bit more if I absolutely fell in luv, but hopefully topping off around there.

The RANS Tailwind (dual 20" CLWB) is just over a grand ($1079 I think) and the Rocket ( dual 20" SWB) is about $100 more. Both are good solid bikes. You may be able to find something a bit less than this from Cycle Genius or Burley, but then those may not be the CLWB format.

Based on my experience as a former owner of a 2001 Burley Limbo and a 2002 Vision R-44, the 2004 Cycle Genius STX Sport is a sub 700 dollar CLWB 'bent with quality construction and components throughout! Similar to the higher priced Rans Tailwind, the CG STX (both bikes feature dual 20" wheels) has lower gearing for hill climbing: the Tailwind has a 42 tooth granny ring while the STX has a 30 tooth. Another nice feature of the CG STX is the upgrade to a SRAM 5.0 rear derailleur. Last note: my Burley weighed 38 pounds, my Vision R-44 27, and my CG STX weighs about 37 pounds. The Rans Tailwind is listed at around 33. However, I have found that the weight of any given bicycle is far less an issue with recumbents as opposed to the traditional upright bike. Also, the CG STX for year model 2005 is slightly redesigned from year model 2004, because the new STX has a lower bottom bracket which will probably make the bike more user friendly for most folks! Hope that helps, and good luck and happy riding!

I just counted teeth on the chainrings of my 2004 Tailwind, purchased new in 2004. I get a count of 39/52/62. Didn't count the cassette. The granny is pretty low though. Climbs well.

No question, the Rans Tailwind looks to be one sweet CLWB 'bent! I looked at it on Rans website, and it appears to me that the geometry of the Tailwind is similar to my CG STX, though I recognize that the Tailwind has a higher component spec to justify its higher price; both bikes have the same SRAM 5.0 rear derailleur, but my front changer is the lower end 3.0. All in all, both bikes are winners in my book, and I can say for sure that my CG STX feels great on the road: my Litespeed wedgie of four years ago is just that: another wedgie!!!!

I sure enjoy my Tailwind. Another spec that was different was that it was listed with a square drive crank but it actually came with the ISIS drive. Either way I appreciated the upgrades that RANS did in production. The next 'bent to add to the stable will probably be the Rocket or the V-2. If it wasn't for the Tailwind I would not even be riding. It makes a nice commuter bike.

Insofar as my CG STX is concerned, the bike's steering mast allows handlebar swapping for customization: I swapped the stock Kalloy MTB flat bar with a 24 inch wide alloy riser bar with a 10 degree backsweep. Then I added the very first bar-ends that I bought way back in 1991 when I purchased a Diamondback mountain bike: a pair of L-bend bar-ends by Onza. The bar-ends actually help maintain better control of the bike in very fast banking turns, which is a real blast on recumbent bicycles of any stripe! They even kinda remind me of the control yoke of a big jet! My STX shares another feature similar to the Rans Tailwind: a 4130 cro-moly frame. It will be some time before I will look to one day purchase a new 'bent, but in the meantime I'm considering going to a 12-32 tooth 9 speed cassette with a set of SRAM trigger shifters. I'll be doing lots of riding here in western Washington State!!!

HMMM that makes me wonder how tweener bars would work on the Tailwind.

Western Washington does bring back memories. I was born and raised in Bellingham. I have family there. Haven't been back in years. I bet it has changed big time. My favorite place is New Mexico. Can't wait to move back. Land of Enchantment.

Well, Bentbrian, if I had the Tailwind, the bar-ended riserbars would be on it, though I wonder: how many 'bents are out there in the world equipped with a pair of MTB bar-ends on the handlebars! (chuckle chuckle!). I've just moved back to Bremerton after having spent a couple years living and working in New Orleans. What I don't like about Louisiana are those rather frequent thunderstorms. I bought my CG STX online from the Deals & Demos section of the Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. At the time the bike was used as a test track bike and selling for $500.00, so I jumped on it! I've had the bike for ten months now, and it's worked out great for me! To my surprise, the front wheel is radial-spoked, just like the Spinergy Spox composite front wheel that adorned my previous Litespeed Pisgah MTB! Anyhoo, much happy riding to you and yours!

Well, here's many happy miles to you on your STX. Enjoy!! (I enjoy a good 'ol rip roarin' thunderstorm once in a while. One of the features of NM in the summer! Don't want to be outside though when they come up!)